Minister for Education and IT, Nara Lokesh, reaffirmed the Telugu Desam Party’s (TDP) commitment to the Kuruba community’s welfare and empowerment, promising political, social, and economic development. Speaking at the 538th Bhakta Kanakadasa Jayanti celebrations held in Kalyandurg, Lokesh unveiled the statue of the saint and declared that the government would celebrate Kanakadasa Jayanti as a state festival every year.
Lokesh said the TDP has always stood with the BCs (Backward Classes) and treated them as its backbone. “The Kuruba brothers have always supported the TDP. We will never forget them and will continue to stand by them,” he said. Lokesh described Bhakta Kanakadasa as a symbol of devotion and social consciousness, adding that his life continues to inspire generations with his teachings on humility and service to humanity.
Lokesh assured that the Bhairavanithippa irrigation project, which was started by the TDP, will be completed by the party itself. He promised that all pending irrigation projects in the district will be finished soon and that industries are being set up to create employment for youth. He also mentioned support for horticulture farmers and expressed his determination to move the district from fifth to third place in per capita income.
The minister revealed that he personally intervened and secured the renewal of RDT’s (Rural Development Trust) license by speaking with the central government, allowing the organization to continue its valuable services in health, education, and livelihood support.
Lokesh emphasized that political freedom for BCs came only through the TDP, reminding that during his 3,132 km padayatra, he personally met several BC sub-castes and listened to their problems. “We will not rest until those issues are resolved,” he promised.
Recalling the TDP’s deep ties with Anantapur district, Lokesh said the region has always been the party’s stronghold, having elected NTR, Balakrishna, and other family members multiple times. “Anantapur is TDP, and TDP means Anantapur. We are indebted to this soil forever,” he said.
Highlighting TDP’s contribution to the Kuruba community, Lokesh said the party had established the Kuruba Corporation and spent ₹300 crore for community welfare during 2014–2019. “We provided subsidized loans for sheep purchases, insurance coverage, and built community halls for Kurubas,” he said.
He praised leaders like S. Ramachandra Reddy, B.K. Parthasarathi, Savita, and Bastipati Nagaraju, who held key positions and represented the Kuruba community politically and socially.
Criticizing the previous YSRCP government, Lokesh said, “From 2019 to 2024, the state witnessed a dark era. BCs, especially Kurubas, faced severe hardships. But today, the people have chosen change, and we are committed to rebuilding Andhra Pradesh.”
Lokesh announced that the government will soon issue a G.O. for honorariums to temple priests, especially those serving in Kuruba temples. He also promised to construct Berappa temples with TTD’s support, complete pending Kuruba community halls within 12 months, and introduce insurance and shed schemes for shepherds in coordination with the Panchayat Raj ministry.
He concluded by saying that all promises made during his padayatra will be fulfilled. “We will ensure every Kuruba family feels the change. This government belongs to the people, and together we will build a stronger, self-reliant community,” Lokesh said.
The event was attended by BC Welfare Minister Kuruba Savita, Finance Minister P. Keshav, MPs B.K. Parthasarathi, Bastipati Nagaraju, Ambika Lakshminarayana, and several MLAs and officials.